Occurrence of the Southern Purple Azure butterfly Ogyris genoveva (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) near Melbourne

Abstract

The occurrence of the Southern Purple Azure butterfly Ogyris genoveva (Hewitson, 1853) near Melbourne is reviewed, based on historical records (scientific literature, museum specimens and unpublished observations) and more recent observations. Overall, the species has been recorded from a total of 10 sites representing two discrete populations or metapopulations. Historically, the species was known only from a limited area (c. 80 km2) 40–50 km west-north-west of Melbourne, but anecdotal records (mostly historical, from 1939–1980) indicate that O. genoveva also occurred in a restricted area (c. 50 km2) in the outer suburbs 25–35 km north-east of Melbourne. The eastern population is probably no longer extant due to the extent of habitat loss, deterioration and fragmentation. The populations of O. genoveva near Melbourne appear to be phenotypically distinct and possibly isolated from those to the north of the Great Dividing Range. Field surveys are therefore needed to assess the species’ conservation status and management options, and to determine if it still occurs east of Melbourne. (The Victorian Naturalist 138(3), 2021, 85–91) Show more